What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upheaval
Example
The country experienced an upheaval after the revolution. [upheaval: noun]
Example
The earthquake caused an upheaval in the region, destroying homes and infrastructure. [upheaval: noun]
disruption
Example
The power outage caused a disruption in the factory's production. [disruption: noun]
Example
The new technology disrupted the traditional way of doing business. [disrupted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disruption is more commonly used than upheaval in everyday language, especially in the context of business and technology. Upheaval is less common and tends to be used in more serious or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upheaval and disruption?
Upheaval is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while disruption can be used in both formal and informal contexts.